Theory 108/Laughter/Ratio lens
Relief Is Tension Against Resolution
The claim
The relief in laughter is set by the ratio of tension built to resolution offered, so a long build with a weak punchline produces discomfort rather than amusement.
01Mechanism
Humour involves arousal followed by a benign resolution; the ratio determines whether the resolution is adequate.
02Prediction
Amusement should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Amusement tracking punchline quality would remove the build.